Eskom: Kendal Unit 1 generator transformer incident

Eskom wishes to inform the public that Kendal Power Station’s Unit 1 tripped at 03:44 on 11 September 2021 due to a failure of the generator transformer. Upon initial investigation, it was determined that the generator transformer had caught fire. The fire damaged the cables to the main cooling water system on the west side of the power station. Unit 2 and Unit 3 experienced loss of vacuum and were shut down under controlled conditions.

All personnel who were on site were evacuated safely with no injuries sustained during this unfortunate incident. Further investigations will be conducted to determine the root cause of the generator transformer fire.

Eskom will update the public on the developments and the extent to which this incident will impact the national electricity grid.

Kendal units 2 and 3 will be returned to service during the week.